Meet the growers

Say ‘hello’ to the Hinton family!

The Hinton family have been growing stone fruit in Central Otago since 1910 and have had a strong working relationship with Countdown for some years now. The business is now run by the fourth (Nigel and Elizabeth) and fifth (Howie and Sarah) generations of the Hinton family, with the sixth generation helping out in their school holidays. The Hintons pride themselves on growing premium cherries, nectarines, peaches, apricots and plums, which are available in Countdown stores throughout Aotearoa. The last couple of years haven’t been without their challenges, with one of the largest rainfalls ever recorded decimating the Hinton’s 2020/21 season of cherries. However, thanks to a much more settled summer season this year, the Hinton’s have been able to supply delicious, quality cherries, which was not only great news for them, but our customers too!

In addition to growing great stone fruit, the Hinton’s have also continued to invest in new technologies and systems. Three years ago, they installed a new cherry grader and punneter, and are also looking at a new stone fruit grader, to make handling and packing through the packhouse more efficient and to help them maintain their competitive edge. With the last of the nectarines and peacherines shipped out at the start of April, the focus is now on getting the orchard pruned, tidied and ready for the 2022/23 season.

We’re honoured to work with families like the Hintons right throughout our supply chain and we’re excited about what’s ahead as we keep growing our businesses together!